Smeringurus mesaensis (Dune Scorpion)

Not sure if this is posted in the correct forum but how much would you expect to pay in GBP for one of these specimens? I've found someone who's getting rid of one for £15 and to me it seems like a bit of a steal, the specimen from the advert is:

Anyone with more information able to educate me, I appreciate being new to scorpions may mean I should give this one a miss however I'm interested to get the ball rolling should this be a good deal and I'm quick to research. Also what experiences have you guys had with this species with regards to molts etc?

Thanks,

George

Look here

and here

I do not have experience with this species, but a few here have and can tell you more.
From what I have read they are relatively easy to care for, and I converted your price to euro's... for that price... definitely a steal.

I would purchase it for sure, a good species to begin with in the realm of desert scorps.

+1 shakudo

Aren't these the same care for a H.Arizonensis, since they both inhabit the same area (Sonoran Desert/ Arizona, New Mexico, ect.)

Yes, and no. Dune scorpions are surface dwellers they love sand dunes, hence the name. H.arizonensis like to burrow in flat desert areas where the sand is compacted.

Thanks for the info, managed to purchase.. add that to the list of scorpions delayed by weather and I'm expecting 5 soon

So they like loose sand? (sand you don't need to mix with excavator clay)

I was planning on recreating a "dune"-like setup with a red basking lamp near the top, perhaps a hill formed by rocks covered up by sand or something, I got a couple of weeks before it's gonna be even remotely appropriate weather for transit, so I guess I'll have plenty of time to play around. Need to figure out if I wan't a nicer enclosure for this one too

~Abyss~ wrote:

Yes, and no. Dune scorpions are surface dwellers they love sand dunes, hence the name. H.arizonensis like to burrow in flat desert areas where the sand is compacted.

Patcho,

From what I have read, they can burrow, perhaps not the sort of spiraling system Haddy's make, but more of a straight down version:) As Eddy says, dunes are not a flat surface and mostly loose sand, so I reckon you could do with a minimum of clay additive. But I would still add some to be sure that if it wants to, it can burrow, it might just as easily use a hide to make a shallow burrow under.

Wattsy wrote:

I was planning on recreating a "dune"-like setup with a red basking lamp near the top, perhaps a hill formed by rocks covered up by sand or something, I got a couple of weeks before it's gonna be even remotely appropriate weather for transit, so I guess I'll have plenty of time to play around. Need to figure out if I wan't a nicer enclosure for this one too

Perhaps a bit of dried grass here and there, to decorate it a bit?
I think you give it a shot your creativity might help you make something nice looking!

Goodluck, and good choice on the purchase.
You have 5 scorpions coming in.... That will be a very busy day for you when they get at your place

I just needed clarification, cause I'm dumb like that

Patcho wrote:

I just needed clarification, cause I'm dumb like that

You're not dumb, that's nonsense. It's a good thing to ask, and that's how we learn.
And we all want the best for our scorps so nothing wrong with that.

My creativity got me thinking, in my head I already decorated Wattsy's tank lol

Feel free to inspire, eventually I plan on doing some terrarium-scaping to make true environments for them as it's what they really deserve, until then whilst I work on a budget I'll have to just go for what's most cost efficient, but feel free to watch this space as I plan on making something quite spectacular. I'll make it so it's possible to burrow but failing that I've toyed with the idea of building a sandy hill with a hide hidden amongst it to form a cave, but we'll see how things go.

ive had a dune scorpion for a while now

I paid between 10-14 for it I cant remember

it used to have compacted sand and it made nice burrow

but now hes in loose sand

they don't need a water dish

humidity will kill it